There are two different types of abortion. The procedure that is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks (70 days) of gestational age is the abortion pill.
This is a series of two different drugs, mifepristone, and misoprostol, used to end a pregnancy and expel the remnants from the uterus.
Read this article to learn more about this procedure and the recommended health screenings to take before considering this procedure.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The first medication, mifepristone, acts as an antiprogestin. This means that it blocks progesterone, a necessary hormone for growth, from reaching the pregnancy. This effectively prevents development and ends the pregnancy.
24-48 hours later, the second medication, misoprostol, is taken. This induces uterine cramping so the body can expel the fetus and pregnancy tissues.
What are the Risks of a Medical Abortion?
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Next Steps
You’ve taken your first step in exploring your pregnancy options! We recommend scheduling no-cost, clinical pregnancy testing, followed by a no-cost ultrasound at our center for details such as the pregnancy’s location, viability, and gestational age as well so you know your eligibility for the abortion pill).
As many as “26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.” Knowing whether your pregnancy is viable or not will help you know to seek treatment for a miscarriage rather than elective abortion.
With your safety in mind, our nurse will assess whether you are a risk for complications with this medication. At her recommendation, lab tests for anemia, blood type, and STIs may be performed to ensure you have the information to make an informed and safe decision. During your confidential nurse consultation, you can ask questions and learn more about the pregnancy process.
PRC Medical is here to help you make a pregnancy plan you feel confident about in a safe, supportive environment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!